Honor 9/11 victims and heroes by helping to ensure blood products are available

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Aug. 30, 2016) — The American Red Cross supports 9/11 Day by offering the community an opportunity to honor those who lost their lives and the heroes who responded following the tragic events of Sept.11. Two ways to participate in 9/11 Day are to volunteer or donate blood or platelets with the Red Cross and help ensure blood is available for patients in need.

This year marks the 15th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. Each year tens of millions of Americans and people around the world observe the anniversary of 9/11 by performing good deeds that help people and communities in need.

9/11 Day was launched in 2002 as an annual day of service to honor the victims and heroes of Sept. 11. Since then, the observance has evolved into the largest annual day of charitable engagement in the U.S. and was designated as a National Day of Service and Remembrance by the U.S. Congress in 2009.

Jay S. Winuk, co-founder of 9/11 Day, lost his brother Glenn in the Sept. 11 attacks. Glenn J. Winuk, an attorney with the law firm Holland & Knight in downtown Manhattan, served as a volunteer firefighter and EMT for almost 20 years. After helping evacuate the Holland & Knight offices where he was a partner, he raced to the nearby World Trade Center’s south tower to participate in the rescue efforts. He died in the line of duty when that tower collapsed – a first response medical kit was found by his side.

“The growth of this observance from a grassroots initiative into the nation’s largest day of charitable engagement speaks directly to the true compassionate nature of millions of Americans and our shared desire to focus on our common humanity,” said Jay S. Winuk. “With its engagement in 9/11 Day, the Red Cross will make a significant impact, and we’re confident that blood donors, volunteers and organizations from coast-to-coast will answer this call for help while honoring the heroes of 9/11.”

Every two seconds someone in the U.S. needs blood, so regular donations are needed. Blood and platelet donors of all types are urged to give.

“The Red Cross is proud to support 9/11 Day and empower members of our communities to give blood and volunteer to commemorate this anniversary while making a profound contribution to community preparedness,” said Donna M. Morrissey, director of national partnerships, Red Cross Biomedical Services. “Giving the gift of life to someone else is a way to continue the healing process in the face of tragic circumstances most Americans couldn’t imagine before that day.”

Those who would like to observe 9/11 Day by donating blood or platelets are encouraged to make an appointment to give at one of the following locations:

Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental consent in some states), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

Blood donors can now save time at their next donation by using RapidPass to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, prior to arriving at the blood drive. To get started and learn more, visit redcrossblood.org/RapidPass and follow the instructions on the site.

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.

About 9/11 Day

9/11 Day is the largest annual day of charitable engagement in the United States. Each year tens of millions of Americans and countless others throughout the world observe September 11 by performing good deeds that help others. The goal of 9/11 Day is to keep alive the spirit of unity and compassion that arose in the immediate aftermath of the 9/11 attacks, providing a positive, helpful way for people to annually remember and pay tribute to the 9/11 victims, and honor those that rose up in service in response to the attacks. The organizers of 9/11 Day encourage everyone to observe 9/11 this year by putting aside their differences, if any, joining together to help those most in need, and working more closely to make our world better and more peaceful. 911day.org